The playing from the Musiciens du Louvre is consistently exquisite, revealing textures and instrumental lines in a new light . . . There's a fresh excitement and beautiful romanticism in this live recording. Outstanding, colourful phrasing, articulation, dynamics -- all produce a disc of rare energy and drama. A pure adrenalin rush.

Record Review /
Oliver Condy,
Classic FM (London) / 01. August 2003

. . . exciting new live recording . . . The playing from the Musiciens du Louvre is consistently exquisite, revealing textures and instrumental fines in a new light . . .There's a fresh excitement and beautiful romanticism in this live recording. Outstanding, colourful phrasing, articulation, dynamics ¿ all produce a disc of rare energy and drama. A pure adrenalin rush.

Record Review /
Oliver Condy,
Classic FM (London) / 01. August 2003

Marc Minkowski has the gift for paying literal attention to Berlioz's detailed markings without falling into the trap of mere literalism: that is to say, he understands what Berlioz was asking for, and has an instinct for bringing to life the unexpected emphases, the sudden swerves of rubato, the unusual balance of textures.

Record Review /
John Warrack,
International Record Review (London) / 01. October 2003

"Herminie" . . . comes across as the suspenseful balance of academic formulae and genuine passion that, as a "prix de Rome" cantata by Berlioz, it is ¿ whipped up and dressed down with a crisp flair agilely crowned by Aurélia Legay's . . . bright soprano.